The major themes of this story from Leo Tolstoy are the circumstances that determine “good” and “evil”, and the morality of blaming a child for the actions of his/her father. The protagonist is captivated by a beautiful woman. They attend an elegant ball, where he is impressed by the demeanor of her father, a senior military officer. His feelings change the next morning when he witnesses the father officiating at the brutal punishment of a deserting soldier. Other themes: romance, judging by appearances, point of view (cruelty vs. duty), class, moral indignation vs. naivety. More…
All Over the World
This story by Vicente Rivera Jr. is set in Intramuros, the walled city within Manilla, shortly before the Japanese invasion of World War 2. It deals with an often-overlooked aspect of forced evacuation during war: the severing of personal relationships as families flee a conflict. A budding friendship between a protective young man and lonely eleven-year-old girl is put on hold as they go their separate ways. The friendship is clearly important to both, and their parting is especially bitter as neither has a chance to say goodbye. Themes include loneliness, friendship, war, displacement, regret. More…
A Cup of Tea
Although written in a lighthearted tone, this innocently titled story from Katherine Mansfield deals with some big issues. Its major theme is the materialism, hypocrisy and vanity of the British upper class. The desire for a “cup of tea” symbolizes the one similarity (womanhood) between a young beggar and middle-aged socialite. One is poor, desperate and astonishingly pretty; the other rich, entitled and not exactly beautiful. The socialite’s reason for wanting to help the girl was to show how compassionate she is. However, she soon realizes this may highlight a less favorable difference between them. Other themes: appearance, jealousy, insecurity. More…
The Bread of Salt
In this coming-of-age story by N. V. M. Gonzalez bread of salt (pan de sal), a popular Filipino food, symbolizes the racial, social and economic divide between a working-class teen with big dreams and the Spanish plantation owner’s niece with whom he is infatuated. Embarrassed when she catches him pilfering delicacies leftover after a banquet, he finally comes to terms with the reality of his position. He throws the delicacies away, and on the way home stops to buy some pan de sal. Themes include family, naivety, unrequited love, social and economic class, shame, disillusionment. More…
Witness for the Prosecution
This classic crime thriller from Agatha Christie is better known for its screen and theater adaptions than the short story upon which they are based. There is no Hercule Poirot type detective here. The man charged with finding evidence to free a prisoner he is convinced was wrongly arrested for murder is a dogged solicitor. Things look grim when the man’s wife agrees to testify against him. Fortunately, a letter delivered the day before the trial leads to critical evidence that frees the man. Strangely, the solicitor is unlikely to be happy with the outcome. Themes: justice, deception, betrayal, perception. More…